If you’re an older member of the Baby Boom generation and you’re tired of the increasingly patronizing comments you get from Kids everywhere you go, take heart. You are part of the biggest group of professionals leading the e-work trend.
That’s right, leading. Contrary to popular opinion, it is Boomers who are most likely to be working as freelancers. Boomers, not Gen-X or the Millennials, are leading what has been tagged the Gig Economy.
According to a study by MBO Partners, an independent work consultancy company, Boomers make up 30% of the independent workforce. That’s about 5 million workers. And Boomers seem to be thriving in the independent environment. MBO says that most independent Boomers actively choose to go solo. Furthermore, Boomers express more job satisfaction than younger freelancers. 85% of Boomers report satisfaction and 70% report high satisfaction, versus 58% for all age groups combined.
And Boomers are making it as freelancers. Their average income is $77,000. The vast majority of these Boomers plan to continue working independently; only 8% say they plan to seek a traditional job.
All of which is great news for IT, where contract work is in greater demand than ever. CIOs are increasingly relying on contractors to help their companies stay flexible, meet work upturns, and provide specific technical skills at a moment’s notice.
Information technology needs and independent Boomers. It’s a match made in nerdvana!